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Lesson 2 - Backhand Groundstroke Development

Advanced Skills & Tactics

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Year 6

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Tennis

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45 min

Big Question

How can mastering the backhand groundstroke transform your tennis game and give you confidence to play from both sides of your body?

Learning Objectives

To execute a backhand groundstroke with correct technique and body positioning
To accurately feed balls using underarm throwing technique
To apply backhand shots effectively during rally situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct backhand grip and swing technique
Students will successfully return balls using backhand groundstrokes in practice rallies
Students will show improved court positioning and shot selection during game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Rackets

7 (optional)

Check racket size is appropriate - should reach from ground to student's waist when standing upright

Alternative: Shorter junior rackets, badminton rackets for lighter control

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Use low-pressure balls for beginners to slow down the game

Alternative: Foam balls, low-compression balls for easier control

Cones

Use to mark court boundaries, target areas, and activity zones

Alternative: Markers, bibs, rope for court boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Backhand

A tennis stroke played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Two-handed grip

Holding the racket handle with both hands for better control and power

Ready position

The balanced stance used to prepare for any shot in tennis

Rally

Continuous hitting of the ball back and forth between players

Groundstroke

A shot hit after the ball bounces once on the ground

Court positioning

Moving to the best place on court to play an effective shot

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and control from previous tennis lessons
Understanding of ready position and court awareness
Experience with underarm throwing and catching skills
Basic forehand groundstroke technique

Current Skills

Two-handed backhand grip positioning
Sideways body positioning for backhand preparation
Low-to-high swing path for backhand groundstrokes
Consistent ball feeding using underarm technique

Next Steps

Advanced backhand techniques including slice and topspin
Tactical shot placement and court positioning
Combining forehand and backhand in competitive rallies
Introduction to volleying and net play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball using backhand technique

Ability to return 7/10 fed balls over the net

Demonstration of correct grip change from forehand to backhand

Successful rallies of 10+ shots using appropriate shot selection

Key Teaching Points

Two-handed backhand grip with dominant hand at bottom, non-dominant above
Turn body sideways showing back of hand to target area
Low-to-high swing path creates consistent ball contact and topspin
Contact ball with racket face toward target, not angled up or down
Follow through over opposite shoulder with both arms working together
Return to ready position immediately after each shot for next ball
Use backhand when ball comes to non-dominant side of body

Common Misconceptions

Students think backhand is weaker than forehand - emphasise it's equally important and powerful
Belief that harder hitting equals better shots - focus on control and placement over power
Thinking backhand grip is same as forehand - demonstrate clear grip difference
Misconception that ball must be hit up over net - teach hitting down with topspin creates better control
Assuming backhand is too difficult for their age - build confidence through progressive success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual boundaries, offer frequent positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Use lighter equipment, provide extra practice time, break down techniques into smaller steps, offer physical guidance for motor patterns

autism spectrum

Provide clear activity structure, use visual schedules, establish quiet zones when needed, maintain consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, utilise buddy system for court positioning, offer tactile guidance for grip

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, employ hand signals for communication, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify racket size and weight, adjust court size, allow seated play if appropriate, use larger/softer balls for easier contact

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, descriptive language for coaching, communication skills during partner work

Maths

Counting consecutive rallies, measuring court distances, calculating success percentages, analysing angles of shot placement

Science

Understanding forces in racket swing, friction between ball and strings, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight

Geography

Court positioning and spatial awareness, understanding directions and locations on court

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, resilience when facing challenges, supporting others, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during practice, position at corner during games for full court visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip changes, body positioning, ball contact point, and tactical decision-making

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down, safety concerns arise, or students need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, show common mistakes and corrections, demonstrate from multiple angles for different learning styles

Verbal Cues

•'Show me the back of your hand!'
•'Low to high swing path!'
•'Brush over the top of the ball!'
•'Ready position between every shot!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 8m per court, clear of obstacles and other activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for tennis footwork and movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rackets for damage, appropriate size, and secure grip
•Verify ball condition and appropriate pressure for skill level
•Ensure nets are securely fastened and at correct height
•Confirm cones are visible and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket swing contact with other students
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips and falls during movement
•Collision between students during games

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between courts and students during practice
•Clear swing zones established and maintained
•Controlled pace activities before full-speed application
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving practice

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during game applications
•Ensure proper technique to prevent injury from poor form
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety and technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, seek additional support for serious injuries